U.S. patent application number 11/958674 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-18 for optimal utilization of multiple transceivers in a wireless environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T MOBILITY II LLC. Invention is credited to Melvin D. Frerking, Alain Ohana, David Shively.
Application Number | 20090156227 11/958674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40753953 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090156227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frerking; Melvin D. ; et
al. |
June 18, 2009 |
OPTIMAL UTILIZATION OF MULTIPLE TRANSCEIVERS IN A WIRELESS
ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Switching between and/or combining various multi-transceiver
wireless communication techniques based on a determined
characteristic of a network or a wireless link is described herein.
As an example, a characteristic such as signal to noise ratio
(SNR), multi-path scattering, available bandwidth, or the like, can
be determined. The characteristic can then be compared with
suitable thresholds for various multi-transceiver communication
techniques, such as MIMO, multi-channel concatenation, channel
diversity, and so on. Based on a comparison of the characteristic
and the thresholds, a suitable multi-transceiver technique can be
selected and implemented for the wireless link Accordingly, a
network can provide increased data rates and/or channel quality
from a multi-transceiver technique that is most suited to
prevailing conditions of the wireless network/link.
Inventors: |
Frerking; Melvin D.;
(Norcross, GA) ; Ohana; Alain; (Aventura, FL)
; Shively; David; (Smyrna, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AT&T Legal Department - AT;Attn: Patent Docketing
Room 2A-207, One AT&T Way
Bedminster
NJ
07921
US
|
Assignee: |
AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
40753953 |
Appl. No.: |
11/958674 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/455 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04B 7/0413 20130101;
H04B 7/0632 20130101; H04L 1/0001 20130101; H04L 1/06 20130101;
H04B 17/336 20150115; H04L 1/08 20130101; H04B 7/0877 20130101;
H04B 7/0691 20130101; H04B 7/0697 20130101; H04W 28/20 20130101;
H04B 7/0693 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/455 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 7/20 20060101
H04Q007/20 |
Claims
1. A system that provides multi-advanced data rate capability for a
wireless handset, comprising: a channel analysis component that
obtains a channel characteristic of a wireless link between a
mobile base station and a mobile handset; and a determination
component that compares the channel characteristic to a
predetermined threshold and selects a multi-transceiver wireless
technique that provides a higher quality or higher data rate for
the wireless link based on the comparison.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the multi-transceiver wireless
technique includes splitting a signal into multiple data streams on
a single channel of the wireless link or splitting a signal into
multiple data streams on multiple channels of the wireless
link.
3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a multi-mode switching
component that instructs the mobile handset to at least one of:
interface at least two of a plurality of handset transceivers with
at least two of the multiple data streams on the single channel if
the channel characteristic meets a single channel threshold; or
synchronize the at least two of the plurality of handset
transceivers to concatenate the multiple data streams on the
multiple channels, if the channel characteristic meets a multi
channel threshold.
4. The system of claim 3, the multi-mode switching component
instructs the handset to synchronize the at least two of the
plurality of handset transceivers to receive or transmit multiple
data streams by way of the single channel to affect multiple input
multiple output (MIMO) communication.
5. The system of claim 3, further comprising a multi-stream
decoding component that at least one of: combines a first of the
multiple data streams received over a first of the multiple
channels with a second of the multiple data streams received over a
second of the multiple channels to form a combined communication;
or combines a first of the at least two of the multiple data
streams with a second of the at least two of the multiple data
streams to form the combined communication.
6. The system of claim 1, the channel characteristic includes a
signal to noise ratio (SNR) or a multi-path scattering factor
associated with the wireless link, or both.
7. The system of claim 3, the determination component rejects
splitting the signal into the multiple data streams and selects a
diversity transmit or receive mode, or both, if the channel
characteristic indicates a SNR below a quality threshold.
8. The system of claim 1, the determination component further
comprises a channel monitoring component that periodically
determines a concurrent value of the channel characteristic.
9. The system of claim 8, the determination component further
comprises a dynamic mode component that periodically compares the
concurrent value of the channel characteristic with the
predetermined threshold enabling the determination component to
dynamically select a MIMO architecture, a concatenation
architecture, or a single channel diversity architecture for the
mobile handset, or a combination thereof, based on the
comparison.
10. The system of claim 3, further comprising at least one of: a
transmit diversity component that instructs the mobile handset to
further synchronize the at least two of the plurality of handset
transceivers to utilize a transmit diversity arrangement in
conjunction with multi-path concatenation to respond to the
multiple data streams received on the multiple channels; or a
receive diversity component that instructs the mobile handset to
further synchronize the at least two of the plurality of handset
transceivers to concurrently receive the multiple data streams from
each of the multiple wireless channels, if such wireless channels
are transmitted via a substantially common frequency band, to
implement receive diversity in conjunction with concatenation of
the multiple wireless channels.
11. A method of utilizing alternate advanced data rate wireless
communication techniques via multiple transceivers of a mobile
handset, comprising: forming a wireless data link with a mobile
handset; obtaining a channel characteristic of the wireless data
link and comparing the channel characteristic with a predetermined
threshold; and implementing advanced data rate or advanced quality
communication over the wireless link by interfacing at least two
transceivers to at least one of: multiple data streams on a single
channel of the wireless data link; multiple data streams on
multiple wireless channels of the wireless data link, or each
transmit/receive a single data stream of the single channel, based
at least in part on a result of comparing the channel
characteristic with the predetermined threshold.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising employing a MIMO
arrangement and instructing the mobile handset to interface at
least two transceivers of the mobile handset with the multiple data
streams of the single channel.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising employing a spatial
multiplexing algorithm to transmit/receive the multiple data
streams on the single channel.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising employing a
concatenation arrangement and instructing the mobile handset to
interface at least two transceivers of the mobile handset to the
multiple data streams on the multiple wireless channels.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising synchronizing the at
least two transceivers to transmit at least two of the multiple
data streams over at least two of the multiple wireless channels
concurrently to provide transmit diversity in conjunction with the
concatenation arrangement.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising instructing the
mobile handset to synchronize the at least two transceivers of the
mobile handset to each receive at least two of the multiple data
streams over at least two of the multiple wireless channels
concurrently, if the at least two of the multiple wireless channels
utilize a substantially common frequency band, to provide receive
diversity in conjunction with the concatenation arrangement.
17. The method of claim 11, further comprising employing a signal
to noise ratio or a multi path scattering factor associated with
the wireless link as the channel characteristic.
18. The method of claim 11, further comprising at least one of:
employing a first signal to noise ratio or a first multi path
scattering factor as a first predetermined threshold level
associated with interfacing the at least two transceivers to the
multiple data streams of the single channel; employing a second
signal to noise ratio, less than the first signal to noise ratio,
or a low multi path scattering factor, less than the first multi
path scattering factor, or both, as a second predetermined
threshold level associated with interfacing the at least two
transceivers to the multiple data streams of the multiple channels;
or employing a low signal to noise ratio, less than the first
signal to noise ratio and the second signal to noise ratio, as a
third predetermined threshold level associated with interfacing the
at least two transceivers to each transmit/receive the single data
stream of the single channel.
19. A system that enables a mobile handset to switch between
alternate wireless communication techniques that provide advanced
data rate or advanced quality wireless communication, comprising:
means for determining a channel characteristic of a wireless data
link between a mobile handset and a base station and comparing the
channel characteristic with a predetermined threshold; and means
for conducting advanced data rate or advanced quality communication
over the wireless link by interfacing at least two transceivers of
the mobile handset to one of: multiple data streams of a single
wireless channel; multiple data streams of multiple wireless
channels, or each transmit/receive a single data stream of the
single wireless channel, based at least in part on a result of
comparing the channel characteristic with the predetermined
thresholds.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising at least two of:
means for employing a spatial multiplexing algorithm to interface
the at least two transceivers of the mobile handset with the
multiple data streams of the single wireless channel; means for
concatenating the multiple data streams of the multiple wireless
channels into a single communication; or means for employing a
space-time block coding/decoding algorithm to provide transmit or
receive diversity in conjunction with transmitting or receiving the
single data stream of the single wireless channel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] As numbers of mobile communication device users and mobile
service subscribers continue to increase, the demand placed on
mobile network components to provide remote communication services
for such devices and subscribers increases commensurately. To
compound this problem, today's mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc.) can be utilized as
full-service computing mechanisms. For example, many of the most
recent and advanced mobile devices can be associated with word
processing software, web browsing software, electronic mail
software, accounting software, and various other types of software.
In general, applications heretofore available only by way of
computing devices and/or Internet protocol (IP) based network
devices are now available on such mobile devices. This expansion in
capability of mobile devices can often lead to a desire for higher
data rates and higher quality wireless communication. As an
example, streaming data services, such as streaming video or
streaming audio, can often perform in a more satisfactory manner if
a sufficiently high data rate and/or sufficiently high channel
quality are available for a wireless link providing the streaming
data service.
[0002] Although higher data rates are typically sought after, not
all wireless service providers provide a common data rate. On the
contrary, various service providers can offer a range of bandwidths
or data rates for IP-based subscriber traffic, depending on
capabilities of the a provider's network. Accordingly, mobile
networks typically must accommodate processing and channel
bandwidth resources for circuit-switched voice communication as
well as packet-switched data communication of various data rates.
Various mechanisms for increasing data rates for mobile calls have
been implemented. One common way is simply to increase channel
bandwidth. However, this is not always a viable result where a
network is bandwidth limited, especially in densely populated urban
areas. Thus, additional mechanisms for increasing network
bandwidth, while preserving network capacity and call quality, are
constantly sought after by wireless carriers.
SUMMARY
[0003] The following presents a simplified summary in order to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed
innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is
not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the
scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that
is presented later.
[0004] The subject disclosure provides for switching between and/or
combining various multi-transceiver wireless communication
techniques. Switching between and/or combining techniques can be
based on a channel characteristic associated with a particular
wireless link. If the channel characteristic rises above a certain
threshold, a first multi-transceiver technique can be used. If the
channel characteristic is above a second threshold and/or below the
first threshold, a second multi-transceiver technique can be used,
and so on. In addition, suitable multi-transceiver techniques can
be combined based on a comparison of the channel characteristic and
the threshold. Accordingly, a suitable multi-transceiver technique
can be chosen to provide optimal data rate and/or channel quality
based on determinable wireless conditions.
[0005] According to one or more further aspects of the subject
disclosure, a base station can form a wireless link with a mobile
handset and obtain a signal to noise (SNR) level and/or a
multi-path scattering level of the wireless link. Such level(s) can
be measured, calculated and/or quantified at the mobile handset,
the base station, or both. If the multi-path scattering level rises
above a first threshold, a multi-data stream, single channel
technique can be utilized to increase data rates for the wireless
link as compared with single transceiver operation. If the SNR
level is above a second threshold and/or the multi-path scattering
level is below the first threshold, a multi-channel concatenation
technique can be utilized to provide increased data rates.
Alternatively, or in addition to the multi-data stream and the
multi-channel techniques, if the SNR is below the second threshold,
a multi-transceiver diversity technique can be utilized to provide
increased quality for the wireless link. As described, the subject
disclosure can analyze concurrent conditions of the wireless link
to provide a multi-transceiver communication technique most suited
for the concurrent conditions.
[0006] According to still other aspects, a base station can combine
multi-transceiver communication techniques to provide increases
data rate and channel quality as compared with typical
communication. For instance, if a multi-path scattering level
associated with a wireless link is relatively low, multi-channel
concatenation can be utilized to increase typical wireless data
rates. In addition, if a mobile handset has suitable processing
capability, two or more signals can each be received by two or more
handset transceivers over separate channels, assuming such channels
utilize a substantially common frequency band. The signals received
by each of the two or more transceivers can be processed by the
mobile handset to provide receive diversity for two or more
channels. As a result, increased data rate can be provided in
conjunction with increased channel quality as compared with
conventional techniques.
[0007] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are
described herein in connection with the following description and
the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but
a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein
can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and
their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become
apparent from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a sample system that
provides alternative multi-transceiver communication techniques for
a wireless link.
[0009] FIG. 2A illustrates a sample depiction of a multiple input
multiple output (MIMO) technique for a wireless link between a base
station and a mobile handset.
[0010] FIG. 2B illustrates a sample depiction of a multi-channel
concatenation technique for a wireless link utilizing multiple
channels.
[0011] FIG. 2C depicts an example illustration of a transmit and/or
receive diversity technique for a wireless link between a base
station and a mobile handset.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a sample system that
provides switching between multi-transceiver communication
techniques for a wireless link.
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an example system that
provides decoding and encoding of multi-data stream transmission
according to some aspects.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example system that
periodically monitors a wireless link to dynamically switch between
multi-transceiver techniques.
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a sample system that
provides combined diversity and multi-channel concatenation for a
wireless link.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology for
providing alternative multi-transceiver communication techniques
for a wireless link.
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an example methodology for
determining between multi-transceiver techniques based on channel
scattering and signal/noise ratio.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology for
selecting a MIMO communication technique based on characteristics
of a wireless link.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology for
selecting a multi-channel concatenation technique based on
characteristics of a wireless link.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a sample operating
environment for processing data in a wireless environment according
to aspects disclosed herein.
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram of a sample networking
environment suitable to provide a wireless link between a base
station and a mobile handset.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident,
however, that the innovation can be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a
description thereof.
[0023] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"system," "equipment," "interface", "network," and/or the like are
intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a
combination of hardware and software, software, or software in
execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to
being, a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk
drive, multiple storage drives (of optical and/or magnetic storage
medium), an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a
program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an
application running on a server and the server can be a component.
One or more components can reside within a process and/or thread of
execution, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or
distributed between two or more computers.
[0024] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a sample system 100 that
provides alternative multi-transceiver communication techniques for
a wireless link between a mobile network base station 102 and a
mobile handset 104. Selecting between alternative communication
techniques can be based at least in part on a characteristic of the
wireless link. By comparing such characteristics with one or more
threshold factors associated with the multi-transceiver
communication techniques, a technique can be selected that provides
increased data rate and/or channel quality compared with
conventional techniques (e.g., single transceiver wireless
communication).
[0025] System 100 can include a channel analysis component 106 that
obtains a channel characteristic of the wireless link between the
mobile base station 102 and the mobile handset 104. For instance,
the mobile handset can analyze the wireless link and/or data
transmitted via the link to determine a block error rate (BER)
associated with such data. The BER can be utilized to determine a
signal to noise ratio (SNR) for the wireless link and/or a channel
quality indicator (CQI) of such link. These parameters, BER, SNR,
CQI, can provide compatibility information for various
multi-transceiver communication techniques. For instance, a
relatively high SNR can be beneficial for multi-channel
concatenation. Further, antenna diversity can be utilized to
increase channel quality if a wireless link has relatively low
SNR.
[0026] In addition to the foregoing, the wireless link can be
analyzed to determine scattering conditions associated with
wireless transmission between the base station 102 and the mobile
handset 104. Scattering conditions (e.g., resulting from buildings,
landmasses and other physical objects that can reflect wireless
transmissions) can be utilized in conjunction with some
multi-transceiver communication techniques to achieve increased
data rates on a single frequency channel (e.g., multiple input
multiple output [MIMO] transmission and/or variations thereof). For
example, typical wireless transmission architectures can often have
a maximum data rate for a single data stream transmitted by a
single antenna. However, the data rate can be increased by
splitting the data stream into multiple streams transmitted by
multiple antennas (102) over a common frequency band (e.g., by way
of spatial multiplexing). To decode the split streams, a receiver
(104) requires a mechanism to receive the multiple streams and
process and recombine them. Multi-path scattering can provide such
a mechanism. Scattering in a wireless link can cause a signal to
exhibit spatial distortion at a receiving device (104). Such
distortion can be utilized to distinguish the multiple data streams
at a receiver. Accordingly, the multiple streams can be decoded
even though they are transmitted on a common frequency band.
Therefore, under proper multi-path scattering and SNR conditions, a
signal can be split into multiple transmissions by a
multi-transceiver emitter to increase overall data rates for the
signal.
[0027] A characteristic of the wireless link, such as SNR and/or
multi-path scattering factor, can be measured at the mobile device
104 or the base station 102. If measured at the mobile device 104,
the characteristic can be transmitted to the base station 102 over
the wireless link. A determination component 108 can then compare
the channel characteristic to a predetermined threshold associated
with one or more multi-transceiver communication techniques. A
result of the comparison can be used to determine whether the
mobile handset 104 can obtain a higher quality or higher data rate
by employing multiple signals on a single channel or on multiple
channels of the wireless link. For instance, if a multi-path
scattering level meets a predetermined threshold, a transmission
can be split into multiple data streams on a single frequency
channel (e.g., in a MIMO arrangement). Alternatively, or in
addition, if a SNR of the wireless link rises above a quality
threshold, a multi-channel concatenation technique can be used
where a signal is transmitted over two separate channels (e.g.
separate frequencies) concurrently to provide an increased data
rate. Furthermore, if the SNR of the wireless link is below the
quality threshold, a diversity-based receive or transmit mode can
be utilized to improve transmission quality in the wireless link.
Accordingly, system 100 can select a multi-transceiver
communication technique suitable to the characteristic of the
wireless link.
[0028] In addition to the foregoing, it should be appreciated that
the claimed subject matter can be implemented as a method,
apparatus, or article of manufacture using typical programming
and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware,
hardware, or any suitable combination thereof to control a
computing device, such as a mobile handset, to implement the
disclosed subject matter. The term "article of manufacture" as used
herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from
any suitable computer-readable device, media, or a carrier
generated by such media/device. For example, computer readable
media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices
(e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical
disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . .
), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key
drive . . . ). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier
wave generated by a transmitter can be employed to carry
computer-readable electronic data such as those used in
transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a
network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of
course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications
may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope
or spirit of the claimed subject matter.
[0029] Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean
serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or
design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be
construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or
designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present
concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the
term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an
exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from
context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural
inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X
employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under
any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and
"an" as used in this application and the appended claims should
generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified
otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular
form.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms to "infer" or "inference", as used
herein, refer generally to the process of reasoning about or
inferring states of the system, environment, and/or user from a set
of observations as captured via events and/or data. Inference can
be employed to identify a specific context or action, or can
generate a probability distribution over states, for example. The
inference can be probabilistic-that is, the computation of a
probability distribution over states of interest based on a
consideration of data and events. Inference can also refer to
techniques employed for composing higher-level events from a set of
events and/or data. Such inference results in the construction of
new events or actions from a set of observed events and/or stored
event data, whether or not the events are correlated in close
temporal proximity, and whether the events and data come from one
or several event and data sources.
[0031] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C provide depictions of example
multi-transceiver communication architectures to provide context
and clarification for aspects of the subject disclosure. FIG. 2A
provides a sample depiction of a MIMO technique for a wireless link
between a base station and a mobile handset. As defined herein,
MIMO can include multiple input (e.g., multiple transmitter)
multiple output (e.g., multiple receiver), as well as degenerate
MIMO cases, including single input multiple output (SIMO) and
multiple input single output (MISO) transmission (e.g., single
transmitter multiple receiver, and multiple transmitter single
receiver, respectively). In addition to the foregoing, MIMO can
include various multi-transceiver transmission techniques known in
the art such as beamforming (e.g., multi-layer beamforming or
single-layer beamforming), spatial multiplexing, or diversity
coding, or a suitable combination of these or like techniques.
[0032] Beamforming is a signal processing mechanism that can be
implemented in conjunction with multiple transmitters and/or
multiple receivers, which determines a direction of maximum signal
strength of a received signal and/or increases sensitivity in such
direction. In general, beamforming can involve directional
transmission control and/or directional sensitivity reception to a
radiation pattern (e.g., wireless link). For instance, one or more
transmitters can emit a signal with differing power levels in
differing directions. A receiver(s) can distinguish a direction(s)
of maximum and/or increased signal strength (max direction) from a
direction(s) of null or decreased signal strength. In addition, the
receiver(s) can increase sensitivity in the max direction(s) and/or
reduce sensitivity in directions of low or null signal strength or
in a direction(s) where signal noise or interference is detected.
As described, beamforming can provide gain for a signal transmitted
in a particular direction as compared with omni-directional
emission of a comparable signal at a comparable transmission
power.
[0033] Spatial multiplexing is a multi-transceiver technique that
can provide increased data rates in an environment of limited
bandwidth by splitting a signal into multiple data streams on a
substantially common bandwidth channel. A single data stream over a
single orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) or
spatial division multiple access (SDMA) network channel is
typically limited to a certain data rate. Some techniques for
providing increased data rates involve allocating additional
bandwidth (e.g., concatenating multiple channels or increasing
channel bandwidth) to a call. In high population areas where many
mobile calls are serviced concurrently by a serving mobile network,
however, it can be impractical to provide increased data rates
simply by allocating additional bandwidth to calls. In contrast,
spatial multiplexing utilizes a common frequency channel, but
splits a data stream into multiple streams (e.g., 208A, 210A, 212A)
transmitted by multiple antennas on the channel. Accordingly,
spatial multiplexing can provide increased channel capacity if a
receiving device can decode and recombine the split data streams.
As discussed above, multiple data streams transmitted over a
substantially common frequency channel can be distinguished if
sufficient multi-path scattering exists in a wireless link (206A).
Thus, with sufficient multi-path scattering, as well as sufficient
SNR, spatial multiplexing can provide significantly increased
channel capacity and throughput.
[0034] Diversity coding typically involves transmission of a data
stream over multiple channels concurrently. Diversity coding can
require increased channel resources, but can provide higher quality
transmission/reception if a wireless link (e.g., 306A) exhibits
relatively low SNR. Diversity coding can transmit a signal over
multiple channels concurrently resulting in diversity gain and
increased throughput from use of multiple channel resources.
Accordingly, if sufficient network resources are available,
diversity coding can provide increased quality, gain and signal
throughput in a mobile environment (200A).
[0035] FIG. 2A depicts a system 200A utilizing a spatial
multiplexing MIMO technique to provide increased data rate and/or
channel capacity for a single-channel wireless link 206A. The
single-channel wireless link 206A provides data exchange between a
base station 202A and a mobile handset 204A. The link 206A utilizes
a particular frequency band (e.g., 20 kilohertz [kHz]) and a stream
of data transmitted over such frequency band is limited to a
particular data rate.
[0036] The single channel MIMO transmission mode depicted by system
200A can split a single signal into multiple signals. For instance,
if the base station 202A and mobile handset 204A each have N
transceivers, where N is an integer, the devices (202A, 204A) can
split the signal (206A) into N separate data streams (206A, 208A,
210A). Each separate data stream (206A, 208A, 210A) can be
transmitted at substantially a maximum data rate permitted by the
single-channel wireless link 206A. Accordingly, spatial
multiplexing can provide increased capacity for the single-channel
wireless link 206A. Typically a spatial multiplexing arrangement
requires relatively high SNR and multi-path scattering in a
wireless link (206A) so that separate data streams transmitted over
a substantially common frequency channel can be decoded at a
receiving device (202A, 204A).
[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates a sample depiction of a mechanism to
increase throughput of a wireless link (206B) by multi-channel
concatenation. Concatenation involves separating a data signal
(206B) onto two or more separate frequency channels 208B, 212B. As
an example for illustrative purposes, a base station 202B can split
a single data stream (206B) into multiple data streams 210B, 214B
transmitted by separate antennas on separate frequency channels
208B, 212B. A mobile handset 204B can receive the multiple data
streams at one or more receivers and recombine the streams into a
single data stream.
[0038] Typically, concatenation utilizes a like number of antennas
at an emitter (202B) and a receiver (204B). However, if the emitter
and/or receiver have sufficient processing capability, a single
transceiver can be utilized to split the data stream and
broadcast/receive multiple streams 210B, 214B over multiple
frequency channels 208B, 212B. For instance, if two wireless
channels 208B, 212B each operate at a 20 kHz channel bandwidth, a
transmit or receive signal processor at the base station 202B
and/or mobile handset 204B (not depicted) operating at
substantially 40 kHz can split a data stream into two separate
streams 210B, 214B. The split streams 210B, 214B can then be
transmitted on the two wireless channels 208B, 212B of a
multi-channel wireless link 206B. Likewise, a single antenna
operating at substantially 40 kHz at the mobile handset 204B can
receive, process and recombine the data streams 210B, 214B, or two
antenna operating at substantially 20 kHz could each receive one
stream (210B, 214B) on one channel (208B, 212B) and provide the
separate streams to a signal processor (not depicted).
[0039] According to some embodiments of the subject disclosure,
multiple antennas at the mobile handset 204B can each receive
multiple signals transmitted over multiple channels. Such an
arrangement can provide channel diversity in conjunction with
multi-channel concatenation. For example, two antennas at the
mobile device 204B operating at substantially 40 kHz each could
receive two data streams (210B, 214B) transmitted over two 20 kHz
channels (208B, 212B) concurrently. According to diversity
principles, receiving multiple copies of a data stream can provide
enhanced quality reception as well as diversity channel gain.
Accordingly, if a base station 202B and/or mobile handset 204B have
sufficient signal processing capability, and a multi-channel
wireless link has suitable SNR, multi-channel concatenation can be
utilized in conjunction with transmit/receive diversity. Such an
arrangement can provide increased data rates for a wireless link
(206B) as well as improve channel quality and provide diversity
gain.
[0040] FIG. 2C depicts an example illustration of a transmit and/or
receive diversity technique for a wireless link (206C) between a
base station 202C and a mobile handset 204C. The diversity
technique depicted by system 200C involves a single-channel
wireless link 206C, although similar techniques can be utilized in
conjunction with multiple data streams and/or multi-channel
wireless links if suitable signal processing capability is
available at a transmitter (202C, 204C) and/or receiver (202C,
204C). Base station 202C transmits and receives a single data
stream 208C over a single-channel wireless link 206C. Likewise,
mobile handset also transmits and receives the single data stream
208C over the single-channel wireless link 206C. However, each
device (202C, 204C) can transmit the data stream 208C multiple
times on the link (206C). For instance, if the base station 202C
has two transmitters, substantially like copies of the data stream
208C can be transmitted across the link (206C) and received by an
antenna at the mobile handset 204C. Multiple transmissions can
provide redundancy in the data stream 208C. Accordingly, if data is
lost on a first of the transmissions (208C), the mobile handset
204C can cross-reference an additional transmission (208C) and
attempt to recover the lost data.
[0041] According to additional embodiments, system 200C can a
receive diversity arrangement. According to receive diversity, the
mobile handset 204C utilizes multiple receivers to each receive a
copy of a data stream 208C sent by an emitting device (202C). The
receivers can utilize different receive paths, signal processing
techniques, and so on, to receive the data stream 208C. If one
receiver is unable to decode a portion of the data stream 208C,
another receiver can be cross-referenced to recover such portion.
Thus, by utilizing multiple receivers in conjunction with a single
data stream 208C, system 200C can provide increased SNR and reduced
BER for a single-channel wireless link 206C. It should be
appreciated that the foregoing can also be applicable to transmit
diversity implemented by an emitter (202C) in conjunction with
receive diversity implemented by a receiver (204C). Multiple like
copies of a data stream (208C) can be transmitted and each received
by multiple receivers. Such a technique can introduce further
redundancy to the single-channel wireless link beyond that provided
by transmit diversity or receive diversity alone. Transmit and
receive diversity could be useful, for instance, if a SNR of the
link 206C is unusually low and significant error results in data
transmitted between devices (202C, 204C).
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a sample system 300
that can switch between multi-transceiver communication techniques
in a wireless environment. System 300 can include a base station
302 and a mobile handset 304 coupled by a wireless communication
link. The base station and/or the mobile handset can have one or
more transceivers 312, 314 and/or 316, 318 respectively. System 300
can utilize a channel characteristic of the wireless communication
link between the base station 302 and handset 304, as well as a
number of available transceivers and/or signal processing
capabilities of the devices (302, 304), to select between multiple
multi-transceiver communication techniques for communication over
the wireless link. Accordingly, an increased data rate and/or
channel quality can be provided depending on conditions associated
with the link or devices (302, 304).
[0043] System 300 can include a channel analysis component 306 can
that obtain a channel characteristic of the wireless link. The
characteristic can be determined at the mobile handset 304 and
transmitted to the base station 302 (or, e.g., one or more
additional mobile handsets--not depicted), determined at the base
station 302, or a combination thereof. The channel characteristic
can include a SNR, BER, multi-path scattering factor, high
bandwidth availability, or a combination of these or like
characteristics that can impact wireless link throughput, quality,
or multi-channel/multi-data stream operability.
[0044] In addition, system 300 can include a determination
component 308 that receives and compares a channel
characteristic(s) to a predetermined threshold (e.g., a
predetermined SNR level, a predetermined multi-path scattering
level, predetermined processing resource level, and so on). Based
on the comparison, the determination component 308 can identify an
optimal (e.g., higher quality and/or higher data rate)
multi-transceiver communication technique for the wireless link.
For instance, a high SNR and high multi-path scattering level can
provide optimal results from a multi-stream single channel
technique (e.g., spatial multiplexing MIMO). Alternatively, a
mid-level SNR and/or relatively high channel availability can
result in increased data rate utilizing a multi-channel
concatenation technique. Further, a relatively low SNR can be
improved utilizing a diversity transmit/receive technique. In
addition to the foregoing, combinations of such techniques, such as
transmit/receive diversity in conjunction with spatial multiplexing
or multi-channel concatenation, could be determined optimal based
on the channel characteristic(s).
[0045] In accordance with some aspects, determination component 308
can reject employing the multiple signals on either the single
channel or the multiple channels and select a diversity receive
mode based on the channel characteristic(s). For instance, if a SNR
is below a quality threshold, MIMO and concatenation type
multi-receiver transmission may be ineffective. Accordingly,
increased quality provided by receive and/or transmit diversity
techniques can be a more optimal choice for the wireless link.
[0046] According to further aspects, system 300 can include a
multi-mode switching component 310 that can communicate a
multi-transceiver communication technique to a mobile handset 304.
For instance, the multi-mode switching component 310 can instruct
the mobile handset 304 to interface at least two of a plurality of
handset transceivers (316, 318) with two or more data streams of a
single channel if a channel characteristic(s) meets a single
channel threshold (e.g., a minimum SNR or multi-path scattering
level). In addition, the multi-mode switching component 310 can
instruct the mobile handset 304 to synchronize the at least two of
the plurality of handset transceivers (316, 318) to concatenate
multiple wireless channels if the channel characteristic(s) meets a
multi-channel threshold (e.g., mid to high SNR and/or sufficient
bandwidth availability).
[0047] As a particular example, channel analysis component 306 can
obtain a channel characteristic indicating that the wireless link
between the base station 302 and the mobile handset 304 has high
SNR but low multi-patch scattering. Based on this information,
determination component 308 can select employing multiple signals
on multiple channels of the wireless link to provide increased
throughput for wireless data exchange. Accordingly, multi-mode
switching component 310 can instruct the mobile handset to
synchronize transceiver, 316 with a first wireless channel and a
second transceiver (e.g., transceiver.sub.N 318) to a second
wireless channel and concatenate signals received over the
channels. According to this multi-transceiver technique, the two
wireless channels will be transmitted over substantially different
frequency bands.
[0048] According to another particular example, channel analysis
component 306 can obtain a channel characteristic indicating that
the wireless link has high SNR and high multi-path scattering.
Based on such information, determination component 308 can select a
multi-data stream, single channel transmission technique (e.g.,
MIMO) to provide increased data rates for the wireless link
utilizing the high multi-path scattering to distinguish the
multiple data streams over the single channel. Thus, multi-mode
switching component 310 can instruct the mobile handset to
interface two or more transceivers (316, 318) with two or more
separate streams of data on a substantially common frequency band.
By transmitting and receiving the multiple streams each at
substantially a maximum data rate for the frequency band, an
increased data rate can be obtained as compared with a single data
stream transmitted over the frequency band.
[0049] According to still other examples, channel analysis
component 306 can obtain a channel characteristic indicating a
relatively low SNR in the wireless link. Accordingly, determination
component 308 can select a transmit/receive diversity mode to
provide increased quality. In such case, multi-mode switching
component 310 can also instruct the mobile handset 304 to
synchronize the at least two of the plurality of handset
transceivers 316, 318 to each receive a single data stream to
reduce error rates in transmitted data. Accordingly, multi-mode
switching component 310 can provide an interface that enables
synchronized switching from one multi-transceiver architecture to
another based on a characteristic of a wireless link between the
mobile handset 304 and base station 302.
[0050] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of an example system 400 that
provides decoding and encoding of multi-data stream transmission
according to some aspects. System 400 can include a base station
402 and mobile handset 404 each having multiple transceivers (406,
408, 410, 412) to facilitate multi-transceiver wireless
communication. For instance, concatenation of multiple wireless
channels, with or without diversity transmission/reception, can be
implemented. System 400 can also implement various MIMO techniques
(e.g., beamforming, spatial multiplexing, code diversity, etc.) as
an alternative to concatenation and/or transmit/receive diversity.
Specifically, selection of a suitable multi-transceiver technique
can be based on concurrent channel characteristics associated with
a wireless link between the base station 402 and mobile handset
404. Accordingly, an optimal technique can be utilized to provide
increased data rate or channel quality for various conditions.
[0051] In addition to the foregoing, multi-stream transmission can
be transmitted, received, processed and combined at the base
station 402 and mobile handset 404. A multi-stream decoding
component 414, 416 at the base station 402 and mobile handset 404,
respectively, can combine two or more signals received at the base
station 402 or handset 404. For instance, in a spatial multiplexing
environment, the multi-stream decoding components 414, 416 can
combine a first signal received over a first data stream (e.g., by
transceiver.sub.1 406, 410) with a second signal received over a
second data stream (e.g., by transceiver.sub.N 408, 412). The
resulting signal can include substantially twice as much data as
could be carried by a single data stream.
[0052] As another example, in a multi-channel concatenation
environment, multi-stream decoding components 414, 416 can combine
a first signal received over a first channel with a second signal
received over a second, separate channel to form a combined
communication. By utilizing two channels concurrently,
substantially twice as much throughput, or data rate, can be
achieved for a wireless communication. As long as sufficient
channel resources and sufficient SNR are available for the
communication, multi-channel concatenation can be an attractive
mechanism.
[0053] Moreover, multi-stream decoding components 414, 416 can
include advanced signal processing techniques to enable reception
of multiple data streams by each transceiver (406, 408, 410, 412).
For instance, two transceivers (410, 412) of the mobile handset 404
can be directed to each receive two separate data streams
transmitted over a common 20 kHz frequency channel via spatial
multiplexing. The multi-stream decoding component 416 could operate
at 40 kHz (or, e.g., multiples of a number of separate streams
received at each of multiple channels) to process and recombine the
two signals received by the first antenna (410) and the two signals
received by the second antenna (412). Accordingly, a spatially
multiplexed signal on a substantially common 20 kHz frequency
channel could be received with diversity to improve reception of
multiple data streams. Alternatively, two transceivers (410, 412)
of the mobile handset 404 can be directed to each receive two
separate data streams transmitted over two separate frequency
channels. In a similar manner, multi-stream decoding components
414, 416 can process and recombine the two data streams at each
receiver (e.g., by operating at substantially 40 kHz for 20 kHz
channels), facilitating diversity reception for multi-channel
concatenation.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an example system 500
that periodically monitors a wireless link to dynamically switch
between multi-transceiver techniques. System 500 includes a base
station 502 and a mobile handset coupled by a wireless link. The
base station 502 includes two or more transceivers,
transceiver.sub.1 512 through transceiver.sub.N 514; the mobile
handset 504 can include one or more transceivers (not depicted). As
described herein, a determination component 506 can obtain a
channel characteristic and select between various multi-transceiver
techniques to increase data rate and/or quality for the wireless
link.
[0055] According to some embodiments, the determination component
506 further includes a channel monitoring component 508 that
determines a concurrent value of a channel characteristic of the
wireless link (e.g., SNR, BER, multi-path scattering factor,
directional gain/loss, CQI, bandwidth availability, device signal
processing capability, and so on). For instance, the channel
monitoring component 508 can periodically measure and/or receive an
indication of the channel characteristic. Such periodic indication
can be helpful to provide a dynamic mapping of characteristics
associated with the wireless link.
[0056] Based on the concurrent channel characteristics, a dynamic
mode component 510 can periodically compare a concurrent value of
the channel characteristic(s) with a predetermined threshold
pertaining to one or more multi-transceiver transmission
techniques. For instance, a threshold SNR and/or multi-path
scattering level can be compared to determine compatibility or gain
resulting from spatial multiplexing. Alternatively, or in addition,
the concurrent channel characteristics can be compared with a
threshold SNR and bandwidth availability to determine compatibility
or gain resulting from multi-channel concatenation. Further, a
minimum quality threshold can be compared to the channel
characteristic to determine whether diversity transmission or
reception would be beneficial to provide increased quality and
reduced BER. Thus, by periodically comparing concurrent channel
characteristics with such thresholds, the determination component
506 can dynamically select a suitable multi-transceiver technique
suited to the wireless link. Accordingly, system 500 can achieve a
substantial improvement over conventional techniques that enable
only a single type of multi-transceiver technique for a particular
mobile handset 504 or particular base station 502.
[0057] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a sample system 600 that
provides combined diversity and multi-channel concatenation for a
wireless link. System 600 includes a base station 602 and mobile
handset 604 communicatively coupled by a wireless link. The base
station 602 and/or mobile handset 604 can include multiple
transceivers (612, 614). In addition, the base station 602 can
select a multi-transceiver communication technique for the wireless
link based at least in part on a concurrent channel characteristic
of the wireless link, as described herein.
[0058] System 600 can include a multi-mode switching component 606
that can instruct the mobile handset 604 to synchronize one or more
transceivers (not depicted) of the mobile station 604 to a
multi-transceiver communication technique selected by the base
station 602. As an example, multi-mode switching component 606 can
instruct the mobile handset 604 to synchronize two handset
transceivers to receive two data streams transmitted via two
independent frequency bands and concatenate the data streams into a
combined signal.
[0059] Multi-mode switching component 606 can include a transmit
diversity component 608 that instructs the mobile handset to
further synchronize two or more handset transceivers to utilize a
transmit diversity arrangement for two or more data streams
transmitted on two or more wireless channels. Accordingly, the two
or more transceivers can be synchronized to split a signal into two
or more data streams. The data streams can each be transmitted
concurrently on a separate channel by a separate handset
transceiver.
[0060] Multi-mode switching component 606 can also include a
receive diversity component 610 that instructs the mobile handset
604 to further synchronize at least two handset transceivers to
receive each of multiple data streams transmitted on multiple
channels of a substantially common frequency band. For instance, a
sampling rate of a signal processor can be set to a frequency of
the two or more wireless channels multiplied by the number of data
streams received (e.g., 40 kHz for two data streams transmitted via
two 20 khz channels, 60 kHz for three data streams transmitted via
three 20 kHz channels, and so on). Accordingly, system 600 provides
a mechanism for integrating transmit and/or receive diversity
techniques in conjunction with multi-channel concatenation. Such an
arrangement can provide increased data rates as well as higher
quality reception, if wireless channel and network bandwidth
resources are sufficient.
[0061] The aforementioned systems have been described with respect
to interaction between several components, modules and/or mobile
network functions. It should be appreciated that such systems and
components/modules/functions can include those components or
sub-components specified therein, some of the specified components
or sub-components, and/or additional components. For example, a
system could include channel analysis component 106, determination
component 108, and multi-stream decoding component 414, or a
different combination of these and other components. Sub-components
could also be implemented as components communicatively coupled to
other components rather than included within parent components.
Additionally, it should be noted that one or more components could
be combined into a single component providing aggregate
functionality. For instance, transmit diversity component 608 can
include receive diversity component 610, or vice versa, to
facilitate instructing a mobile handset to utilize either transmit
or receive diversity, or both, by way of a single component. The
components may also interact with one or more other components not
specifically described herein but known by those of skill in the
art.
[0062] Furthermore, as will be appreciated, various portions of the
disclosed systems above and methods below may include or consist of
artificial intelligence or knowledge or rule based components,
sub-components, processes, means, methodologies, or mechanisms
(e.g., support vector machines, neural networks, expert systems,
Bayesian belief networks, fuzzy logic, data fusion engines,
classifiers . . . ). Such components, inter alia, and in addition
to that already described herein, can automate certain mechanisms
or processes performed thereby to make portions of the systems and
methods more adaptive as well as efficient and intelligent.
[0063] In view of the exemplary systems described supra,
methodologies that may be implemented in accordance with the
disclosed subject matter will be better appreciated with reference
to the flow charts of FIGS. 7-10. While for purposes of simplicity
of explanation, the methodologies are shown and described as a
series of blocks, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methodologies described hereinafter. Additionally, it should be
further appreciated that the methodologies disclosed hereinafter
and throughout this specification are capable of being stored on an
article of manufacture to facilitate transporting and transferring
such methodologies to computers. The term article of manufacture,
as used, is intended to encompass a computer program accessible
from any computer-readable device, media, or a carrier in
conjunction with such computer-readable device or media.
[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology 700
for providing alternative multi-transceiver communication
techniques for a wireless link based on characteristics of the
wireless link or wireless network. At 702, method 700 can form a
wireless data link with a mobile handset. The wireless link can
utilize a radio frequency channel, such as a licensed cellular
frequency or a public WiFi frequency, a microwave frequency or the
like. In addition, the wireless link can include one or more
frequency bands, and can carry circuit-switched information or
packet-switched information, or both. The wireless handset can be a
cellular phone, mobile phone, dual-mode device, multi-mode device,
laptop, PDA, or a combination thereof or of the like.
[0065] At 704, method 700 can obtain a channel characteristic of
the wireless data link and compare the channel characteristic with
a predetermined threshold. The channel characteristic of the
wireless data link can include SNR, BER, CQI, bandwidth
availability, multi-path scattering, or a combination thereof or a
like characteristic that can affect operability or performance of a
multi-transceiver communication technique. In addition, the
predetermined threshold can be a level of a channel characteristic
pertinent to operability, compatibility or effectiveness of one or
more multi-transceiver communication techniques. For instance, a
minimum SNR and/or multi-path scattering factor can be associated
with a first threshold pertinent to MIMO communication. As another
example, a second minimum SNR level and/or a channel bandwidth
availability can be associated with a second threshold pertinent to
multi-channel concatenation. As a further example, a suitable SNR
level can be associated with transmit or receive diversity
techniques.
[0066] At 706, method 700 can select a multi-transceiver
communication technique based at least in part on a result of
comparing the channel characteristic with the predetermined
threshold. Such technique can include a MIMO communication (e.g.,
spatial multiplexing), multi-channel concatenation, and/or
transmit/receive diversity. Accordingly, method 700 provides a
process for selecting a suitable multi-transceiver communication
technique pertinent to capabilities of a mobile network or
prevailing channel conditions with a mobile handset.
[0067] FIG. 8 depicts a flowchart of an example methodology 800 for
determining between multi-transceiver techniques based on channel
scattering and signal/noise ratio. At 802, a SNR or multi-path
scattering factor of a wireless network link can be obtained. For
instance, such data can be determined by a mobile handset and
transmitted to a network base station. Alternatively, or in
addition, a component of the network base station, base station
controller, etc., can receive and/or determine the SNR or
multi-patch scattering factor. At 804, a determination can be made
as to whether an obtained SNR is above or below a quality
threshold. If the SNR is below the quality threshold, method 800
can proceed to 806 where a transmit and/or receive diversity
arrangement can be selected for the wireless network link.
[0068] If the determination at 804 results in a SNR higher than the
quality threshold, method 800 can proceed to 808 where a second
determination as made as to whether a multi-path scattering factor
is above a scattering threshold. If the scattering factor is below
the scattering factor, method 800 can proceed to 810 where
multi-channel concatenation is selected for the wireless network
link. If the scattering factor is above the scattering threshold,
method 800 can proceed to 812 where a spatial multiplexing MIMO
arrangement is selected for the wireless network link. As
described, method 800 provides for determining an appropriate
multi-transceiver communication technique for wireless
communication based on capabilities of a network link.
[0069] FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology 900
for selecting a MIMO communication technique based on
characteristics of a wireless link. At 902, method 900 can obtain
indication of a multi-path scattering factor in a wireless link
suitable to implement MIMO transmission. At 904, method 900 can
instruct a wireless handset to switch from a non-MIMO to a MIMO
transmission. At 906, method 900 can instruct the mobile handset to
utilize spatial multiplexing for the MIMO transmission.
Alternatively, the mobile handset can be instructed to utilize
beamforming or code diversity, or a suitable other MIMO
transmission technique. At 908, method 900 can exchange data with
the mobile handset by way of the MIMO transmission. Accordingly,
method 900 provides for switching between a non-MIMO and a MIMO
transmission architecture based on obtaining indication of suitable
multi-path scattering in a wireless link with the mobile
handset.
[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a sample methodology 1000
for selecting a multi-channel concatenation technique based on
characteristics of a wireless link. At 1002, method 1000 can obtain
an SNR, or an available bandwidth parameter, or both, of a wireless
link between a base station and a mobile handset. At 1004, method
1000 can compare the SNR and/or available bandwidth parameter to a
concatenation threshold requirement. At 1006, if the SNR and/or
bandwidth meet the concatenation threshold requirement, method 1000
can instruct the mobile handset to switch to multi-path
concatenation communication. At 1008, a signal processing
capability of the handset can be obtained. The signal processing
capability can include a data sampling rate, processing frequency,
or a like parameter pertinent to concurrent multi-channel or
multi-path processing.
[0071] At 1010, the signal processing capability can be compared to
a diversity mode requirement. The diversity mode requirement can be
related to processing capability needed for processing two or more
data streams received over two or more channels by each of multiple
antennas concurrently. For instance, a multi-path signal is sent to
the mobile handset via two data streams on one of two separate
channels. The handset has a dual-receiver arrangement, enabling
both channels to be received concurrently. If processing and
sampling capabilities at the mobile handset are sufficient (e.g.,
substantially twice a sampling frequency of the two data streams or
greater), each antenna can receive both of the data streams
concurrently. Thus, at 1012, if the signal processing capability is
suitable to meet the diversity mode requirement, method 1000 can
instruct the mobile handset to utilize diversity reception and/or
transmission in conjunction with multi-path concatenation.
Accordingly, method 1000 can provide increased data rate by
switching to a multi-path concatenation arrangement, and provide
increased signal reception/transmission quality by implementing a
channel diversity technique in conjunction with the
concatenation.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 11, there is illustrated a block
diagram of a computer 1102 operable to provide networking and
communication capabilities between a wired or wireless
communication network and a server and/or communication device. In
order to provide additional context for various aspects of the
claimed subject matter, FIG. 11 and the following discussion are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
computing environment 1100 in which the various aspects described
herein can be implemented. While the description above is in the
general context of computer-executable instructions that can run on
one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the claimed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and
software.
[0073] Generally, program modules include routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, including
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0074] The illustrated aspects of the claimed subject matter can
also be practiced in distributed computing environments where
certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0075] A computer (1102) typically includes a variety of
computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any
available media that can be accessed by the computer and includes
both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable
media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable
media can comprise computer storage media and communication media.
Computer storage media includes both volatile and non-volatile,
removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or
technology for storage of information such as computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM,
EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital
video disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired
information and which can be accessed by the computer.
[0076] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term
"modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its
characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode
information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or
direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,
infrared and other wireless media. Suitable combinations of the any
of the above should also be included within the scope of
communication media derived from computer-readable media and
capable of subsequently propagating through electrically conductive
media, (e.g., such as a system bus, microprocessor, data port, and
the like) and/or non-electrically conductive media (e.g., in the
form of radio frequency, microwave frequency, optical frequency and
similar electromagnetic frequency modulated data signals).
[0077] With reference again to FIG. 11, the exemplary environment
1100 for implementing various aspects includes a computer 1102, the
computer 1102 including a processing unit 1104, a system memory
1106 and a system bus 1108. The system bus 1108 couples system
components including, but not limited to, the system memory 1106 to
the processing unit 1104. The processing unit 1104 can be any of
various commercially available processors, such as a single core
processor, a multi-core processor, or any other suitable
arrangement of processors. The system bus 1108 can be any of
several types of bus structure that can further interconnect to a
memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus,
and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available
bus architectures. The system memory 1106 can include read-only
memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), high-speed RAM (such as
static RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, and/or the like. Additionally or
alternatively, the computer 1102 can include a hard disk drive,
upon which program instructions, data, and the like can be
retained. Moreover, removable data storage can be associated with
the computer 1102. Hard disk drives, removable media, etc. can be
communicatively coupled to the processing unit 1104 by way of the
system bus 1108.
[0078] The system memory 1106 can retain a number of program
modules, such as an operating system, one or more application
programs, other program modules, and program data. All or portions
of an operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can be,
for instance, cached in RAM, retained upon a hard disk drive, or
any other suitable location. A user can enter commands and
information into the computer 1102 through one or more
wired/wireless input devices, such as a keyboard, pointing and
clicking mechanism, pressure sensitive screen, microphone,
joystick, stylus pen, etc. A monitor or other type of interface can
also be connected to the system bus 1108.
[0079] The computer 1102 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, phones, or other computing
devices, such as workstations, server computers, routers, personal
computers, portable computers, microprocessor-based entertainment
appliances, peer devices or other common network nodes, etc. The
computer 1102 can connect to other devices/networks by way of
antenna, port, network interface adaptor, wireless access point,
modem, and/or the like.
[0080] The computer 1102 is operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This includes at least WiFi and Bluetooth.TM. wireless
technologies. Thus, the communication can be a predefined structure
as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoc communication
between at least two devices.
[0081] WiFi, or Wireless Fidelity, allows connection to the
Internet from a couch at home, a bed in a hotel room, or a
conference room at work, without wires. WiFi is a wireless
technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enables such
devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out,
anywhere within the range of a base station. WiFi networks use
radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, etc.) to provide
secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A WiFi network can be
used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to
wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). WiFi networks
operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 11 Mbps
(802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example, or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10 BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0082] Now turning to FIG. 12, such figure depicts a GSM/GPRS/IP
multimedia network architecture 1200 that includes a GSM core
network 1201, a GPRS network 1230 and an IP multimedia network
1238. The GSM core network 1201 includes a Mobile Station (MS)
1202, at least one Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 1204 and a Base
Station Controller (BSC) 1206. The MS 1202 is physical equipment or
Mobile Equipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer
that is used by mobile subscribers, with a Subscriber identity
Module (SIM). The SIM includes an International Mobile Subscriber
Identity (IMSI), which is a unique identifier of a subscriber. The
MS 1202 includes an embedded client 1202a that receives and
processes messages received by the MS 1202. The embedded client
1202a can be implemented in JAVA and is discuss more fully
below.
[0083] The embedded client 1202a communicates with an application
1202b that provides services and/or information to an end user. One
example of the application can be navigation software that provides
near real-time traffic information that is received via the
embedded client 1202a to the end user. The navigation software can
provide road conditions, suggest alternate routes, etc. based on
the location of the MS 1202. Those of ordinary skill in the art
understand that there are many different methods and systems of
locating an MS 1202.
[0084] Alternatively, the MS 1202 and a device 1202c can be enabled
to communicate via a short-range wireless communication link, such
as BLUETOOTH. For example, a BLUETOOTH SIM Access Profile can be
provided in an automobile (e.g., device 1202c) that communicates
with the SIM in the MS 1202 to enable the automobile's
communications system to pull information from the MS 1202. The
BLUETOOTH communication system in the vehicle becomes an "embedded
phone" that employs an antenna associated with the automobile. The
result is improved reception of calls made in the vehicle. As one
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize, an automobile is one
example of the device 1202c. There can be an endless number of
devices 1202c that use the SIM within the MS 1202 to provide
services, information, data, audio, video, etc. to end users.
[0085] The BTS 1204 is physical equipment, such as a radio tower,
that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS. Each BTS
can serve more than one MS. The BSC 1206 manages radio resources,
including the BTS. The BSC can be connected to several BTSs. The
BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referred to
as a base station (BSS) or radio access network (RAN) 1203.
[0086] The GSM core network 1201 also includes a Mobile Switching
Center (MSC) 1208, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 1210, a
Home Location Register (HLR) 1212, Visitor Location Register (VLR)
1214, an Authentication Center (AuC) 1218, and an Equipment
Identity Register (EIR) 1216. The MSC 1208 performs a switching
function for the network. The MSC also performs other functions,
such as registration, authentication, location updating, handovers,
and call routing. The GMSC 1210 provides a gateway between the GSM
network and other networks, such as an Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) or Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) 1220.
In other words, the GMSC 1210 provides interworking functionality
with external networks.
[0087] The HLR 1212 is a database or component(s) that comprises
administrative information regarding each subscriber registered in
a corresponding GSM network. The HLR 1212 also includes the current
location of each MS. The VLR 1214 is a database or component(s)
that includes selected administrative information from the HLR
1212. The VLR includes information necessary for call control and
provision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in a
geographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 1212 and the VLR
1214, together with the MSC 1208, provide the call routing and
roaming capabilities of GSM. The AuC 1216 provides the parameters
needed for authentication and encryption functions. Such parameters
allow verification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 1218 stores
security-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.
[0088] A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1209 allows one-to-one
Short Message Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS
1202. A Push Proxy Gateway (PPG) 1211 is used to "push" (e.g., send
without a synchronous request) content to the MS 1202. The PPG 1211
acts as a proxy between wired and wireless networks to facilitate
pushing of data to the MS 1202. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP)
protocol router 1213 is provided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages
to cell broadcast messages. SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS
messages between SMS peer entities such as short message service
centers. It is often used to allow third parties, e.g., content
suppliers such as news organizations, to submit bulk messages.
[0089] To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and
short message service (SMS), the MS first registers with the
network to indicate its current location by performing a location
update and IMSI attach procedure. The MS 1202 sends a location
update including its current location information to the MSC/VLR,
via the BTS 1204 and the BSC 1206. The location information is then
sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR is updated with the location
information received from the MSC/VLR. The location update also is
performed when the MS moves to a new location area. Typically, the
location update is periodically performed to update the database as
location-updating events occur.
[0090] The GPRS network 1230 is logically implemented on the GSM
core network architecture by introducing two packet-switching
network nodes, a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) 1232, a cell
broadcast and a Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 1234. The SGSN
1232 is at the same hierarchical level as the MSC 1208 in the GSM
network. The SGSN controls the connection between the GPRS network
and the MS 1202. The SGSN also keeps track of individual MS's
locations and security functions and access controls.
[0091] A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 1233 communicates cell
broadcast messages that are typically delivered to multiple users
in a specified area. Cell Broadcast is one-to-many geographically
focused service. It enables messages to be communicated to multiple
mobile phone customers who are located within a given part of its
network coverage area at the time the message is broadcast.
[0092] The GGSN 1234 provides a gateway between the GPRS network
and a public packet network (PDN) or other IP networks 1236. That
is, the GGSN provides interworking functionality with external
networks, and sets up a logical link to the MS through the SGSN.
When packet-switched data leaves the GPRS network, it is
transferred to an external TCP-IP network 1236, such as an X.25
network or the Internet. In order to access GPRS services, the MS
first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performing an attach
procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)
context, thus activating a packet communication session between the
MS. the SGSN, arc the GGSN.
[0093] In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be
used in parallel. The MS can operate in one three classes: class A,
class B, and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for
both GPRS services and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS
also supports simultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM
services. For example, class A mobiles can receive GSM
voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at the same time. A class
B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSM
services simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not support
simultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That
is, a class B MS can only use one of the two services at a given
time. A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and
GSM services at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of
GPRS services and GSM services is not possible with a class C
MS.
[0094] A GPRS network 1230 can be designed to operate in three
network operation modes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation
mode of a GPRS network is indicated by a parameter in system
information messages transmitted within a cell. The system
information messages dictates a MS where to listen for paging
messages and how signal towards the network. The network operation
mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network. In a NOM1
network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain
(voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the
data call or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of
the MS. In a NOM2 network, a MS cannot receive pages from a circuit
switched domain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is
receiving data and is not listening to a paging channel. In a NOM3
network, a MS can monitor pages for a circuit switched network
while received data and vise versa.
[0095] The IP multimedia network 1238 was introduced with 3GPP
Release 5, and includes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 1240 to
provide rich multimedia services to end users. A representative set
of the network entities within the IMS 1240 are a call/session
control function (CSCF), a media gateway control function (MGCF)
1246, a media gateway (MGW) 1248, and a master subscriber database,
called a home subscriber server (HSS) 1250. The HSS 1250 can be
common to the GSM network 1201, the GPRS network 1230 as well as
the IP multimedia network 1238.
[0096] The IP multimedia system 1240 is built around the
call/session control function, of which there are three types: an
interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 1243, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 1242, and a
serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 1244. The P-CSCF 1242 is the MS's first point
of contact with the IMS 1240. The P-CSCF 1242 forwards session
initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from the MS to an SIP
server in a home network (and vice versa) of the MS. The P-CSCF
1242 can also modify an outgoing request according to a set of
rules defined by the network operator (for example, address
analysis and potential modification).
[0097] The I-CSCF 1243 forms an entrance to a home network and
hides the inner topology of the home network from other networks
and provides flexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 1243
can contact a subscriber location function (SLF) 1245 to determine
which HSS 1250 to use for the particular subscriber, if multiple
HSS's 1250 are present. The S-CSCF 1244 performs the session
control services for the MS 1202. This includes routing originating
sessions to external networks and routing terminating sessions to
visited networks. The S-CSCF 1244 also decides whether an
application server (AS) 1252 is required to receive information on
an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriate service
handling. This decision is based on information received from the
HSS 1250 (or other sources, such as an application server 1252).
The AS 1252 also communicates to a location server 1256 (e.g., a
Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position
(e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 1202.
[0098] The HSS 1250 includes a subscriber profile and keeps track
of which core network node is currently handling the subscriber. It
also supports subscriber authentication and authorization functions
(AAA). In networks with more than one HSS 1250, a subscriber
location function provides information on the HSS 1250 that
includes the profile of a given subscriber.
[0099] The MGCF 1246 provides interworking functionality between
SIP session control signaling from the IMS 1240 and ISUP/BICC call
control signaling from the external GSTN networks (not shown). It
also controls the media gateway (MGW) 1248 that provides user-plane
inter-working functionality (e.g., converting between AMR- and
PCM-coded voice). The MGW 1248 also communicates with other IP
multimedia networks 1254.
[0100] What has been described above includes examples of the
claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of
ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further
combinations and permutations of such matter are possible.
Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all
such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "includes" is used in either the detailed description
or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner
similar to the term "comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted
when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *